A KIRKLEES councillor has warned against private sector involvement in public education.
Lib-Dem Roger Battye's concern follows Kirklees's plans to build two city academies if its Building Schools for the Future bid to the Government is successful.
Clr Battye, a Dalton ward councillor, said: "I am not against improving education or schools, but I am concerned about letting private sponsors run the show.
"The council leader said they only intend to begin the debate once they have 'received the green light' to progress plans.
"Once again, local people are asked their opinion after the real decisions have been made.
"People must be aware that academies are a very different prospect from your typical state school.
"They involve the council transferring publicly- funded assets, such as land and buildings, into the control of unaccountable private sector partners who are then responsible for running the school.
"The school can decide who they employ, which pupils they will admit and what they will teach."
